Do You Know Where Your Wireless Microphones Are (Operating)?
It’s not just a rhetorical question. I’ve written about the coming changes in the Wireless Spectrum a couple of times (Beware 700MHz and Shure Offers Info) . It’s a topic that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention but in these times of tightened budgets, it becomes even more important as you make equipment decisions. Here’s the issue for film makers:
700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum
The 700 MHz Band comprises 108 megahertz of spectrum from 698-806 MHz and is designated for commercial and public safety uses. Currently, this spectrum is occupied by TV broadcasters in Channels 52-69. Congress has directed that TV broadcasters transition to digital broadcast technology and vacate the spectrum in order to accommodate wireless commercial and public safety uses of the spectrum. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of February 17, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. In July 2007, the Commission adopted the 700 MHz Second Report and Order that adopted a regulatory framework for the 700 MHz public safety band to facilitate the establishment of a nationwide, interoperable broadband communications network for the benefit of state and local public safety users.
That is critical to you because this is the same spectrum many wireless microphones work in.
I was recently introduced to a Sound company based in Ft Wayne Indiana that has a nice set of white papers and links to a variety of manufacturers sites related to the issues involved. Check out Sweetwaters Guide to Wireless Microphones for a nice set of resources, including potential trade-in programs.
